Get geared up for Abbotsford’s annual ski show and swap event

One of the major fundraisers that keeps volunteer safety personnel operating on local mountains occurs Nov. 15-16 in Abbotsford.

The annual Canadian Ski Patrol’s (CSP) Winter Extreme Ski Show and Swap sees about 10,000 pieces of ski and snowboard equipment valued at approximately $1 million on consignment at the Ag-Rec building, selling for significant savings over new, said Denis Dion, swap manager.

“You can completely outfit yourself or your family members for under $100,” he said. Everything from boots to boards will be on hand, and each piece is safety inspected.

Any helmets for sale are brand new. “We have extreme selection and extreme pricing.”

Nearly 95 per cent of the equipment is still new – just last year’s models.

“We don’t know exactly how much we’ll be getting until the vendors show up,” he added.

The swap has been running since the late 1970s, said Dion, who took on the event chair position in 1994. From its humble beginnings in a church basement, the swap grew and needed more space. They went from the basement to an auditorium, then Tradex and now the Ag-Rec building.

Between the Abbotsford event, and a similar one in Vancouver, these fundraisers generate enough money – about $100,000 – to keep CSP volunteers on the slopes in locales such as Hemlock, Manning and Seymour, where they are often the first responders to anyone who has a mishap while skiing inbounds. Any off-the-trail emergencies are handled by search and rescue teams.

CSP funds its own first aid and avalanche training, and members pay to be a part of the organization. All proceeds from the swap support CSP.

Public consignment drop-off happens Nov. 14 from 7 pm to 9 pm, and the show is open from 9 am to 5 pm Nov. 15, and 10 am to 3 pm Nov. 16. Cheques for public consignment gear sold will be mailed Nov. 17, and unsold items can be picked up Nov. 18 at Mad Dog’s Source for Sport, 2556 Montrose Ave.

New to the event this year will be the “Extreme Food Truck Cook Out!” Five food trucks to tantalize your tastebuds. Become famous: purchase and finish a half portion from all 5 premium Food Trucks and become an Extreme Eater! . . . with your smiley face posted on our website … no prizes … just fame!